As we prepare for our 2025 One Faith, One Family, Annual Catholic Appeal Commitment Weekend on March 29-30, I want to thank you for your past support, which has allowed our ministries to be the hands and feet of Christ. We truly are one family and support one another spiritually, physically, emotionally, and educationally.
As you consider your gift to the 2025 ACA, please keep in mind that we are asked to contribute as generously as we can in relation to what God has so graciously given to us. Consider your contributions as a response to the Bible's call to stewardship—to be generous with what we have received from God. As Catholics, we are called “not to look to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4).
Please remember those who have benefited from the ACA-supported programs this past year:
“The daily meals that I receive from St. Vincent de Paul Place (Norwich) are lifesaving. The help with other things in my life is really wonderful too. I don’t know where I would be without these kind people.” – Greg F.
“As a new catechist in my parish, I have learned so much about my own faith through the spiritual enrichment workshops put together for us.” – Mary P.
“My family is so thankful for the support we receive from St. Vincent de Paul Middletown; life has been hard for us, and the people here have shown us so much love. I come here often each week.” – Maggie S.
"The Office of Communications does a great job keeping me aware of diocesan activities and also provides inspiring stories that help me develop an improved understanding of my faith and bring me closer to Christ.” – Tom D.
“Now that I am a recently ordained priest, I remain exceedingly grateful for our generous ACA donors who have assisted me in my seminarian studies. While seminary is a privileged time to grow in virtue, spiritual formation, and friendship with Jesus, it was simultaneously a daunting period of vocational discernment. The ACA's financial assistance provided much-needed support as I continued my path toward becoming an instrument of God's love for our diocese.” – Fr. Julian C.
‘I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful marriage prep class you taught! Your wisdom, kindness, and passion made such a positive impact on Evan and me… Your insights into marriage and relationships have left a lasting impression, and Evan and I are so grateful for the way you helped us see the beauty and depth of this covenant we will share with the Lord.”
– Karen & Evan
“The Praying Your Goodbyes Workshop definitely exceeded my expectations. So well done. I found everything very helpful—the brave sharing of your own experience of grief, Deacon Gill’s reflections, the prayers, journaling and the resources we all took home with us. I found myself really letting go and crying at the workshop, which was cathartic for me. Thank you for helping me finally find some closure on the passing of my mother.”
– Emma S.
Please bring your completed ACA pledge card to Mass on March 29-30, or donate by calling (860) 886-1928, visiting
www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org, or mailing your gift (with your parish noted) to:
ACA
331 Main Street, Floor 2,
Norwich, CT 06360.
Thank you, and God bless!
By Mary Ellen Mahoney